The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has donated 3,905,100 doses of vaccines to the Kano State Government to be distributed to all the health facilities across the 484 wards in the 44 local government areas of the state.
The Fund also donated fast cold chain equipment comprising 39 cold boxes, 1,420 vaccine carriers, 1,208 icepacks of 0.6 size and 1,704 icepacks of 0.3 size.
The Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah at the handover of the equipment at Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano, on Tuesday, said UNICEF was committed to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare system and reducing child mortality by ensuring access to essential vaccines and healthcare services.
“As part of this commitment, and as the world leader in the provision of vaccines, strengthening of cold chain and improving vaccine logistics system; today, UNICEF Kano Field Office is delighted to hand over Fast Cold Chain equipment to the Kano State Primary HealthCare Management Board. The Fast Cold Chain equipment would be distributed to all the health facilities in all the 484 wards in the 44 LGAs that need this equipment.
“These fast cold chain equipment donated by UNICEF today comprises 39 cold boxes, 1,420 vaccine carriers, 1,208 icepacks of 0.6 size and 1,704 icepacks of 0.3 size. This equipment is very critical because it ensures that vaccines are maintained at the optimal temperature and conditions while being administered to children.”
Farah added that the effective use of the cold chain equipment would contribute to the reduction of unimmunized or zero dose children, improve children immunity and herd immunity, and reduce vaccine preventable child deaths.
“The cold chain equipment would further bridge the gap experienced by the health facility staff in the logistics of vaccines distribution. UNICEF has in the past supported the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board with walk-in cold rooms, vaccines, and Solar Direct Drive (SDD), which is powered directly by solar.
“As part of its continuing support to the Kano State Government, UNICEF has delivered a total of 3,905,100 doses of vaccines to Kano State for the upcoming Supplemental Immunization Plus Days Campaign which will be implemented from 28th September to 1st October for all the children aged under 5 years in Kano state.
“These equipment donation is part of UNICEF’s continued commitment to supporting child health initiatives and boosting the state’s immunization coverage. These essential tools will enable the safe storage and effective distribution of vaccines, ensuring that children in even the most remote areas of the state are protected against preventable diseases.
“Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions, and with this donation, we hope to bridge gaps in access and ensure that every child in Kano State has the opportunity to be vaccinated against life-threatening diseases.”
He therefore urged all parents and caregivers to bring their children to be vaccinated against Polio as the vaccine is available, effective, and free.
Speaking shortly after receiving the items, the State Immunization Officer, Sa’adatu Ibrahim, commended UNICEF for the intervention which she described as an effort that would go a long way in addressing healthcare service delivery issues in the state.